Using Equilibrium Thermodynamics to Understand Metamorphism and Metamorphic Rocks

Powell, Roger and Holland, Tim (2010) Using Equilibrium Thermodynamics to Understand Metamorphism and Metamorphic Rocks. Elements, 6 (5). pp. 309-314. DOI https://doi.org/10.2113/gselements.6.5.309

PDF Holland_Elements.pdf Restricted to Registered users only Download (405kB)

Abstract

Metamorphic rocks, formed at elevated temperature and pressure from pre-existing rocks inside mountain belts, provide a seemingly unpromising target for the application of equilibrium thermodynamics. This is because metamorphic rocks develop their mineral assemblages along a pressure-temperature (P-T) path, with pressure and temperature continuously changing along the path. However, in a successful model for the formation of such rocks, involving the essential role of fluid or melt, the mineral assemblages observed at the Earth's surface can be considered to reflect a state of frozen-in equilibrium as the rocks are exhumed towards the Earth's surface. Equilibrium thermodynamics applied to such mineral assemblages allow P-T information to be extracted. Currently the best way to do this is via calculated phase diagrams, the most powerful being P-T pseudosections. These diagrams portray the variation of mineral assemblages with P-T for a specified rock composition. Pseudosections allow the P-T conditions of the frozen-in equilibrium to be estimated, and can also give information on the P-T path followed. Such paths are an essential input in constraining the processes involved in mountain-building and the evolution of continental crust.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	2010AREP; IA61;
Subjects:	05 - Petrology - Igneous, Metamorphic and Volcanic Studies
Divisions:	05 - Petrology - Igneous, Metamorphic and Volcanic Studies
Journal or Publication Title:	Elements
Volume:	6
Page Range:	pp. 309-314
Identification Number:	https://doi.org/10.2113/gselements.6.5.309
Depositing User:	Sarah Humbert
Date Deposited:	28 Jan 2011 17:10
Last Modified:	23 Jul 2013 10:00
URI:	http://eprints.esc.cam.ac.uk/id/eprint/1987

Actions (login required)

View Item